Tango1
Lil-Rokslider
3 months ago I decided it was time to retire my favorite, 12 yr old Lowa Tibets. Great boots with a number of resole/rebuilds on them, but they were done. I simply ordered a new pair, though once in hand, the new boots didn’t seem to be the same as the originals. The rubber rand material was lower on the boot/less protective and the overall construction felt less refined with a clumsy, blocky fit. I returned them and started the search for a new boot.
Short story is I bought Crispi CO GTXs after more trial-error with various brands and then a call to Crispi/purchase from Black Ovis. Not only was the customer service great from both companies, but the fit (8.5 Wide) they suggested was spot on. I’ve got almost 30 yrs with serious footwear coming from the mountaineering and running worlds, but now after almost 200 hiking miles with a 45lb MR pack, I can say these are the first out of the box comfortable, ready to go boots I’ve ever experienced. The rigid sole paired with the lighter, compliant upper is a great combination. Breathability has been great in the Florida summer heat and Smoky Mountains. Stability in the mountains is great without any heel or toe issues on ascent/descents. My standard morning hike is a 5mi loop in heavy wet grass. Absolutely waterproof (I use Sitka Ascent short gaiters) to date without any additional treatment. We‘ll see what happens in the mountains next month (SW MT archery elk) but this is a great start with new boots and far from my typically unpleasant experience with new footwear break-in. Those dudes at Black Ovis are squared away when it comes to footwear advice.
Short story is I bought Crispi CO GTXs after more trial-error with various brands and then a call to Crispi/purchase from Black Ovis. Not only was the customer service great from both companies, but the fit (8.5 Wide) they suggested was spot on. I’ve got almost 30 yrs with serious footwear coming from the mountaineering and running worlds, but now after almost 200 hiking miles with a 45lb MR pack, I can say these are the first out of the box comfortable, ready to go boots I’ve ever experienced. The rigid sole paired with the lighter, compliant upper is a great combination. Breathability has been great in the Florida summer heat and Smoky Mountains. Stability in the mountains is great without any heel or toe issues on ascent/descents. My standard morning hike is a 5mi loop in heavy wet grass. Absolutely waterproof (I use Sitka Ascent short gaiters) to date without any additional treatment. We‘ll see what happens in the mountains next month (SW MT archery elk) but this is a great start with new boots and far from my typically unpleasant experience with new footwear break-in. Those dudes at Black Ovis are squared away when it comes to footwear advice.
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